Recently, local Portland native (and Major League Baseball umpire) Jim Joyce made a questionable call at first base which resulted in disqualifying pitcher, Armando Galarraga's perfect game in Detroit vs. Cleveland.
He went to the dressing room and asked to see the replay. After reviewing, Jim the play he decided that he had made the wrong call. He went the the press conference after the game and apologized in tears, saying, "I just cost that kid a perfect game, I blew that call."
MLB offered him the opportunity to take the next day off (because they knew that the Detroit fans could create all kinds of havoc with him). Jim told them that he was going to work that game and confront everyone head on with his head held high.
Jim went out to the pregame meeting the next day and the Detroit Tigers had "the almost perfect game pitcher" Armando Galarraga come out to represent the Tigers. The two men shook hands and Jim told Armando how sorry he was. Jim was in tears again and to the surprise of all the media, the crowd was supportive to both umpire and pitcher. Jim not only got the respect of the Detroit fans, but also of Galarraga and the majority of baseball supporters because he immediately came out to tell everyone that he was sorry. He didn't wait to come up with some excuse, nor did he need anyone to cover-up for him.
Moral of the story: Make the apology immediately after you have discovered your error. You will be respected and given another opportunity to prove yourself.
Besides this story having the marketing connection I have some interest because I used to umpire softball for twenty five years and know some of the feelings that was going through Umpire Joyce. I found out that I got more respect when I came forward and said "Sorry, I missed that one" rather than sticking my chest out and denying any wrong doing.
© 2010 Michael Johnson - Inkspot Graphics. All rights reserved.
